How do I choose the right domain name for my business

Clearing the Confusion around Domain Name Registration

There are a few different things that will determine what domain name would be suitable for your business, and a few ways that you can look at why a certain domain name would be better than another. Keep in mind that a domain name that tells search engine robots what your business does and where it is located will help your website SEO. In saying that, we wouldn’t recommend you choose a domain name solely on helping your website SEO, as this would not necessarily make sense for your human users. In most cases, the domain name will become your email address so it should be easy to spell and remember. Also note that only so many characters can fit across a mobile phone screen, so if it is too long you will have trouble displaying your email address on smaller screen sizes.

I have already registered a business name

It is best to use a domain name that relates to your product or service because your domain name does affect your website SEO. If you are hairdresser and your domain name contains the word hairdresser, it is obvious to both humans and search engine robots what your business does.

What if my business name doesn't describe my product or service?

A good web designer will be able to get your site ranking regardless of whether your domain name relates to your product or service, so this can be dealt with by implementing a good SEO strategy
You can register a domain name that is related to your product or service but different to your business name such as www.burleighhairdressers.com.au for a hairdressing salon in Burleigh

What if the domain name matching my business isn't available?

If you have already registered a business but find your domain is taken, you can register a domain name that is completely different to your business name but good for SEO or

Add a three letter state code to the domain (ie. www.katescutsqld.com.au)
Add your suburb to the domain (ie. www.katescutsburleigh.com.au)
Add dashes to the domain (ie. www.kates-cuts.com.au)

I am yet to register a business name

If you don’t have a business name yet, this can be a bit of an advantage because you can look for a business name and domain name that are both available and that provide the best SEO capabilities. You can search for available Australian business names and domain names online. Here are a few resources to start you on your journey:

It is not essential that your business name and domain name match by any means, but there is no doubt that from an SEO perspective it makes it a lot easier to get your site ranking when all the information about your business are aligned with the product or service you are marketing.

It is also important to note, that your domain name will most likely form part of your email address so an easy to spell and relatively short domain name will make things easier in the long run. Trying to spell out a long winded and complicated email address over the phone can really be quite a nightmare, so keep it simple!

Which Domain is Which?

Which Type of domain should I use?

There are set rules as to which type of domain you use for your business, determined by your industry and what type of service you are providing. If you are a business located in Australia who is servicing Australian consumers, a domain ending in .au will generally perform better both with search engines and your human users. Here is a run-down of the types of domain names available to register in Australia and what they are used for. In most cases, you would need an Australian ABN number to register a .au domain name, except in the case of id.au which can be used for any Australian resident.

ASN.AU
For incorporated associations, political parties, trade unions, sporting and special interest clubs
COM.AU
For commercial entities, such as companies, and businesses
ID.AU
For individuals who are Australian citizens or residents
NET.AU
For commercial entities, such as companies and businesses with an ABN
ORG.AU
For charities and non-profit organisations.
EDU.AU
For educational institutions registered at federal or state level
GOV.AU
For Commonwealth, state, territory and local government bodies

How much does it cost to register a domain name?

In most cases, you will be able to register a domain name for 12 months for around $15. Some can be slightly more and other slightly less. However, be aware of those selling domain names at exorbitant prices as this is usually a scam. Yes, there are people out there who buy up common domain names and try to on-sell them for hundreds and even thousands of dollars.

How do I register a domain name?

There are many providers around that can register a domain for you, such as Go Daddy and Crazy Domains. Most web designers will have an option to assist in that regard, so sometimes it is worth having it all done through the design agency if you are using one. That way all your relevant information remains with the one provider and you know everything is looked after in the same place.

How do I choose the right domain name?